Category: Costa Blanca

Nestled along the picturesque Costa Blanca, the vibrant seaside city of Benidorm has long been celebrated for its golden beaches, lively entertainment, and endless sunshine. However, beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Benidorm harbors a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers. In this ultimate guide, we’ll unveil the lesser-known wonders that lie in close proximity to your Benidorm hotel, promising a truly unforgettable and unique experience.

1. Escape to Tossal de la Cala

For those seeking a bit of solitude and panoramic views of Benidorm’s skyline, a hike to Tossal de la Cala is a must. Located just a short distance from the bustling city center, this scenic hill offers a tranquil escape from the crowds. Ascend to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Benidorm’s coastline, its shimmering Mediterranean waters, and the surrounding landscapes. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic or a memorable sunset moment.

2. Altea’s Old Town: A Mediterranean Jewel

Venture about 15 minutes north of Benidorm, and you’ll find yourself in the enchanting town of Altea. Renowned for its captivating Old Town, Altea boasts narrow, cobbled streets adorned with white-washed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Meander through the alleys to discover charming boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Be sure to visit the iconic blue-domed church, Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, which offers spectacular views of the sea.

3. Sierra Helada Natural Park

Benidorm isn’t just about beaches; it’s also home to the stunning Sierra Helada Natural Park. A short drive from your hotel, this protected area boasts rugged cliffs, serene coves, and hiking trails that wind through pristine Mediterranean landscapes. For the adventurous, the hike to Albir lighthouse is a must, providing panoramic views that are simply jaw-dropping.

4. Guadalest: A Hidden Mountain Gem

A bit further inland, the picturesque village of Guadalest is perched high in the mountains and boasts a history dating back over a thousand years. This hidden gem is a mere 40-minute drive from Benidorm and offers a captivating glimpse into Spain’s past. Explore the medieval castle, visit the museums, and marvel at the stunning turquoise waters of Guadalest Reservoir below.

5. The Enigmatic Canelobre Caves

Hidden within the Cabezón de Oro mountain, the Canelobre Caves are a mesmerizing underground world filled with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. A short drive inland from Benidorm, these caves offer guided tours that delve into their geological wonders. The main chamber, resembling a cathedral, is a sight to behold, with its soaring ceiling creating an otherworldly ambiance.

6. Discover Elche’s Palm Grove

Approximately an hour’s drive from Benidorm lies Elche, a city famous for its UNESCO-listed Palm Grove. This vast oasis of palm trees is not only a haven of greenery but also a testament to centuries of irrigation expertise. Explore the palm grove, visit the Huerto del Cura botanical garden, and climb the Basilica de Santa María’s tower for a panoramic view of Elche.

7. Villajoyosa’s Sweet Secrets

Known as the “Chocolate Town,” Villajoyosa is a coastal gem just 30 minutes away from Benidorm. Its colorful houses along the waterfront provide a charming backdrop as you explore the town’s quaint streets. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Chocolate Museum and learn about the town’s sweet history. You can even indulge in some locally made chocolate treats.

8. The Tranquil Beauty of Serra Gelada

Another hidden treasure near Benidorm is the Serra Gelada (Gelada Range), which offers stunning natural beauty and tranquility. This natural park is perfect for hiking and offers magnificent views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including protected species like the bottlenose dolphin.

9. A Taste of Tradition in Polop

Nestled in the hills just a short drive from Benidorm, Polop is a picturesque town that oozes charm and history. Explore its medieval quarter with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and a beautiful blue-domed church. Polop is also known for its artisanal products, including delicious local honey and traditional pastries.

10. The Marvels of Fuentes del Algar

About 15 kilometers from Benidorm, Fuentes del Algar is a natural wonderland that invites you to cool off in its crystal-clear waters and waterfalls. Explore the walking trails, take a refreshing dip in the pools, and marvel at the lush greenery that surrounds you. It’s the perfect spot for a day of relaxation and natural beauty.

11. Dive into Underwater Magic in Jávea

Jávea, located about an hour’s drive from Benidorm, offers exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Explore the underwater world and discover colorful marine life, caves, and underwater rock formations. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Jávea’s clear waters have something to offer every underwater enthusiast.

12. The Beauty of Puig Campana

Finally, for adventure seekers, a hike up Puig Campana is an exhilarating experience. This iconic mountain, which can be seen from Benidorm, provides a challenging but rewarding trek. The summit offers stunning views that extend as far as the eye can see, making it a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while Benidorm’s beaches and vibrant city life are undeniably captivating, the surrounding region hides a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, historical sites, or tranquil escapes, you’ll find it all within easy reach of your Benidorm hotel. So, go ahead, venture off the beaten path, and discover the true essence of this remarkable destination.

Autumn is a great time to relax on the Spanish coast. At this time, the Costa Blanca pampers vacationers with the gentle sun, clean and calm sea, the absence of severe heat and significantly fewer tourists. Compared to the summer season, the fullness of beaches, tourist attractions and restaurants decreases significantly, which allows you to breathe freely.

With the arrival of September, huge queues for rides, amusement parks, and, of course, restaurants disappear. You no longer need to wait at the entrance, and then be content with the table that is free. Feel free to choose the one you like and enjoy the evening.

Those who are not morally ready to let go of summer come to the Costa Blanca in autumn. The air temperature during the day here is about 25-27 degrees Celsius, which allows you to feel absolutely comfortable and not be afraid of getting burned. Because of the heat instead of the heat, it is much easier and more pleasant to go on excursions, see Spanish sights, of which there are a lot, and engage in active sports. For example, Benidorm is the perfect city for cycling, and in Calpe you can climb a cliff!

Autumn in Benidorm is dearly loved for its mild and warm climate, because the air temperature here drops below 25 degrees Celsius only at the end of October. Many people prefer the velvet season to the July heat, but still there are usually incomparably fewer tourists in the autumn season. And this season, due to the pandemic, the number of tourists has decreased significantly. So a vacation in September 2020 has a ton of benefits.

Crowds of people on the beach, crowded restaurants and hotels, queues at the box office, screaming children – not everyone agrees to put up with it. But this autumn there are two or even three times less vacationers. Because of this, the service in the cafe is now much faster, the sea has cleared up and has ceased to be muddy, and the streets are just as fun, but much quieter and cleaner. You will easily get to your favorite attractions, you will not wait long for your coffee, and choosing a better hotel room closer to the sea will not be difficult. The queues at the markets have also significantly decreased, and the talkative vendors will be happy to chat with you, suggest the best products and suggest delicious local recipes.

Each Spanish province has its own dining traditions, but one thing unites them – they eat hearty, tasty and leisurely.

The traditional lunch consists of several courses. Cold gazpacho soup is very popular in the summer. It is made from vegetables, garlic, pepper and olive oil and served with croutons. Andalusia is considered the birthplace of gazpacho, but in Castilla they love garlic soup – a broth with ham, garlic, egg, butter and sweet pepper. Soups are not an obligatory part of the meal; they are often replaced with fresh vegetable salads.

Paella – the queen of the dining table – is considered the most “Spanish” dinner dish. In Spain, entire schools have been created where they teach the intricacies of cooking of its various types. And the best paella, according to experts, is prepared in Valencia.

All kinds of seafood is also served for lunch, from which you can make a salad, bake, fry, boil soup. Especially fond of squid in ink or its fried in breadcrumbs rings, tentacles of cuttlefish with red pepper.

You can cook all these dishes yourself. The ingredients can be found in the supermarket, which also sells special paella dishes. And the full kitchen at GBH Hoteles y Apartamentos is perfect for a delicious Spanish meal!

Breakfast in Spain is a sacred time. No one and nothing can make a real Spaniard refuse this extremely important meal. After all, it sets the tone for the whole day ahead! Spanish breakfasts are simple and satisfying.

For example, it can be a tortilla – a Spanish potato omelet. Among the locals, a comic question is popular – should the tortilla be with or without onions? There is no correct answer, because you can add whatever your heart desires. In any case, it will be tasty, fast and very nutritious.

Tostada is probably the most popular breakfast dish. Toasted bread is poured with grated tomato and olive oil. And then fantasy comes into play: jamon, cheese, herbs, vegetables. Some replace tomato with sweet jam. Tostada is eaten with orange juice and strong coffee.

If you love sweets for breakfast, then you should try churos – fried dough pieces in cinnamon. Churos are usually dipped in thick melted chocolate; this is a traditional combination.

You don’t have to look for a restaurant to enjoy a Spanish breakfast. All necessary products are sold in the supermarket and in the local markets. All rooms at GBH Hoteles y Apartamentos are equipped with a full kitchen, where you can easily prepare all these delicacies and enjoy an authentic breakfast right on your balcony.

Tomatoes on the sidewalk, tomatoes on the walls, tomatoes on the trees … And even in public. Sounds strange, right? But not in Spain! Festival La Tomatina – a real tomato massacre – is held annually in the small Valencian town of Buñol. The first La Tomatina was held back in the forties and was not entirely legal, but became an official event in 1980.

The meaning of the holiday is easy and understandable – to have fun from the heart, throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. In compliance with safety measures – you cannot bring bottles, tear clothes, and the vegetable itself must be crushed first. Tomato fights are so spectacular that they are broadcast on television, and the festival itself has received international status.

This is one of the most famous and popular holidays in Spain, with thousands of locals, tourists and 150 tons of tomatoes taking part in it every year! In addition to the carnage itself, the program includes a variety of performances, performances by musicians and folk festivities. And, of course, the nationwide washing of streets and houses from tomatoes is a mandatory event. The entrance to the party costs 9 €, but for 750 € you can take a seat in a special truck in order to be the first to throw a tomato into the crowd and start the greatest action of the year!

If you wish to participate in La Tomatina, you can get to the city from Valencia by bus 265A, and if you are traveling by car, you need the A3 motorway towards Madrid.

Wine production is one of the hallmarks of Spain, local wines are appreciated all over the world. The abundance of vineyards and wineries in the Costaablanca makes the area attractive to wine lovers.

Only here you will find the underwater winery Vino Maris, the only one in the whole country. The wine is aged at a depth of 30 meters and can be tasted on a boat trip. And the most popular Francisco Gomes wine in this region is produced just 60 km from Alicante, and the history of their vineyards is more than 400 years old!

One of the oldest wines in Spain is produced in the Cerda winery, and there is also a wine museum. On the tour, you will be told about the most interesting varieties, and in the tasting room you can taste some of them. And in the Primitovo Quiles winery, you can taste the wine that only the kings of Spain drank several centuries ago.

There are many local shops scattered throughout Costablanca, where you can learn a lot about wines and taste the most interesting varieties. The salespeople are real professionals and will gladly tell you everything you would like to know.

The small islet of Tabarca is a must-see part of the excursion along the Costablanca coast. Once upon a time, the island belonged to pirates, but then the king of Spain ordered to build a fortress there and settle fishermen with their families. Today the island is a real gastronomic and aesthetic paradise, because among the buildings of the 18th century and fabulous beaches there are a lot of restaurants with fresh and incredibly tasty seafood. Off the coast of Tabarka you can and should swim with a mask, because the underwater world is really wonderful here.

From Benidorm it is better to get to Tabarca via Alicante by ferry, which leaves the port several times a day. For example, the schedule of Kon Tiki catamarans is easy to find on the website or right on the spot in the port. One way trip costs € 19 per person. Small pleasure boats run directly from Benidorm; they are located on the Puerto Deportivo marina between Levante and Poniente beaches. The cost of the walk is 30 euros. Be careful, because depending on the season, the price and schedule may change.

Not far from Benidorm, among the mountains, there is a small but very popular town of Guadalest. And it is really small – there are 250 inhabitants per 16 square kilometers. However, they are not at all bored there, because all year round tourists come there to see with their own eyes the thousand-year-old castle on the top of the cliff and the incredible beauty of nature around. There is an emerald-colored lake in the gorge under the rock, where you can swim or ride a water tram. There are two hiking trails along the nearby rocks.

And Guadalest holds the record for the number of museums. For example, the torture museum, the salt and pepper shaker museum, or the microminiature museum, where you can see a flea on a bicycle. Entrance to museums for an adult costs 3-4 euros, for a child – 1.5 euros. Visitors are loved here and even organized a holiday in their honor. Tourist Day is celebrated in early July with folk festivities and giant paella.

From Benidorm you can get there by bus or car, only 24 kilometers inland from the coast. There are paid parking lots in the city starting from three euros. A visit to Guadalest will surely remain in your memory as one of the brightest and most memorable.

Ten kilometers from the coast rises Mount Puig Campana, which is a favorite place for lovers of mountain walks. This is the second highest mountain in the province of Alicante, has a characteristic cleavage at one of its peaks, which makes it easily recognizable. A 15-kilometer long route winds around the mountain and is one of the local attractions. The starting point is half an hour west of Benidorm. Be sure to stock up on food and water, put on comfortable clothes – climbing the mountain will take several hours.

With each turn of the road, landscapes and a view from above change, so you definitely won’t get bored. The atmosphere of wildlife reigns there, only marks on the paths dilute it so that travelers do not get lost. You will have to walk, crawl, and climb, especially in the second part of the path, so if you are not used to such activities, be extremely careful. From the top of the mountain, which is located 1070 meters above sea level, offers a wonderful view of the entire province and the vast expanses of the sea. Rest a bit and go down very carefully – going back can be as difficult as going up. But, you know, all these difficulties are worth the impressions that you will get on this winding path. And, of course, magnificent photographs as a keepsake.